Lexington School District Retains ‘The Hunger Games’ in Curriculum

News Summary

The Lexington School District has decided to keep ‘The Hunger Games’ in its middle school curriculum despite a parent’s request for its removal. The district emphasized the educational value of the novel, which does not contain sexually explicit material. Parents are divided, with some advocating for the book’s themes of social issues, while others raise concerns about its depiction of violence. The issue opens a broader discussion about parental rights and the appropriateness of literature in schools.

Lexington School District Stands Firm on “The Hunger Games”

In a recent decision, the Lexington School District One has chosen to keep Jennifer Collins’ popular novel The Hunger Games in the middle school curriculum. During a board meeting held on February 25, 2025, the district countered a request by a local parent to remove the book from classrooms, asserting its value for educational discussions among students.

Defending the Decision

Erica Bissell, the executive director of teaching and learning for the district, stood up at the hearing to explain the rationale behind their decision. Both the district-level committee and local school committees found that the book did not contain sexually explicit material, which often raises flags when it comes to age-appropriateness. This assessment played a crucial role in maintaining the book’s place on the reading list.

Concerns from Parents

However, not everyone is on board with keeping The Hunger Games. The complaint originated from Nancy Wheeler, a parent of a student at Lakeside Middle School, who filed a detailed 123-page document in December 2024. Her concerns revolve around what she describes as the extreme violence depicted in the novel, bringing attention to themes of murder, child sacrifice, and even suicide. She suggested that the book might be more suitable for a high school audience rather than middle schoolers.

Voices for the Book

Interestingly, amid the challenges, some students defended the curriculum decision. Eighth grader Zoey Durand was one such voice, passionately arguing that the book prompts vital lessons about serious social issues, including poverty and oppression. She believes that discussing these themes is crucial for young minds as they develop critical thinking skills. This perspective highlights the importance of viewing The Hunger Games not just as a story about a dystopian society but as a springboard for deeper conversations about real-world problems.

Understanding the Controversy

The narrative of The Hunger Games takes readers to a world where children are selected to participate in gladiatorial-like contests, also known as “The Hunger Games,” where survival is not guaranteed. The book explores stark inequalities and the struggle against oppressive regimes, which has consistently sparked debates about its appropriateness for younger audiences.

A Trend in Book Challenges

It’s worth noting that from 2010 to 2019, The Hunger Games ranked as the 12th-most challenged book in the United States, according to the American Library Association. This latest challenge in Lexington is part of a broader pattern, as school boards across the nation are becoming increasingly vigilant regarding the content of books in their curricula. Recent legislation has also made it easier for parents to challenge books, prompting many districts to reevaluate what materials are deemed suitable.

The Bigger Picture

Learners in Lexington are not the only ones affected. The district boasts a student population of over 26,000 across 32 schools, and interestingly, it has not banned any books in this current or the previous school year. Yet, just nearby, Lexington Two school district recently prohibited a whopping 17 books—mostly focusing on issues of sexual content and controversial themes. What’s at stake is more than just one book; it opens discussions about who gets to decide what students can read and learn.

A Call for Parental Choice

The issue is drawing attention not only from educators but from parents, too. Natasha Durand, Zoey’s mother, shared her concerns over the implications of restricting books. She emphasized that parents should have the autonomy to make choices for their children and that access to diverse literature is crucial for fostering well-rounded individuals.

Next Steps

While the Lexington School District board has made its decision, there is still room for change. Should Wheeler or any other concerned parent wish to pursue further action, they have the option to appeal the ruling to the State Board of Education, which holds the power to enforce bans across the state if warranted. With the ongoing discussions about literature in schools, the conversation is far from over.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Lexington School Board Votes to Retain ‘The Hunger Games’ in Schools

Additional Resources

• WIS TV: Lexington School Board Considers Removing Hunger Games
• The State: School Board Decision on Hunger Games
• Post and Courier: Hunger Games Ban Discussion
• MSN News: Lexington School Board Votes to Keep Hunger Games
• Encyclopedia Britannica: The Hunger Games